Law School Adds New Intellectual Property and Technology Law Concentration

SEPTEMBER 12, 2012—A concentration in intellectual property (IP) and technology law became available to Law School students this fall, bringing the number of offerings in this interdisciplinary program to eight. Concentrations build on the standard curriculum through partnerships with other University programs. Students who complete concentration requirements are well-prepared to practice in a wide range of areas in their field of study and receive a special notation on their transcripts after graduation.

The concentration in intellectual property and technology law is led by Faculty Chair Professor William McGeveran. Professors Tom Cotter, Daniel Gifford, and Ruth Okediji join McGeveran in teaching the core concentration courses.

Professors Stephen Cribari, Ralph Hall, Jane Kirtley, Amy Sanders, and Michael Hannon teach additional required and recommended courses. They are joined by top IP lawyers who serve as adjunct professors, bringing their specialized expertise to the classroom and providing valuable mentoring and networking opportunities for students.

The concentration includes a wide variety of core and specialized courses and seminars on topics such as patents, copyrights, trademarks, unfair competition, and privacy. Students can arrange one-to-one independent research and writing projects with faculty members specializing in IP and technology law, join the Intellectual Property Moot Court team to experience simulated exercises and courtroom competition, work on the Minnesota Journal of Law, Science, & Technology, or write IP and technology law-related articles for other journals.

Students can further immerse themselves in the fields through seminars, lectures, externships, student organizations, and additional opportunities throughout the University.

The Law School also offers concentrations in business law, criminal justice, environmental and energy law, health law and bioethics, human rights, international law, and labor and employment law.